South Fowl Lake
00 review2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
South Fowl Lake
$9.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
A permit is required for traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This fee is applicable for the permit.
About this campground
Hidden within the pristine wilderness of South Fowl Lake, two secluded backcountry campsites await the adventurous soul. These remote sanctuaries, reachable only by paddling across crystal waters or hiking forest trails, offer the ultimate escape into nature. Each thoughtfully placed site comes equipped with essential amenities - a fire grate for evening gatherings, a private latrine, and potentially a rustic picnic table. As stewards of this untouched paradise, visitors embrace Leave No Trace principles, ensuring these wild spaces remain unspoiled for generations of wilderness seekers.
South Fowl Lake provides a dispersed camping experience with two backcountry sites accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served and equipped with basic facilities such as a fire grate and latrine.
Historical SignificanceSouth Fowl Lake forms an integral part of the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million-acre tapestry of interconnected waterways that has captivated paddlers, naturalists, and wilderness enthusiasts for generations. This protected ecosystem represents one of America's most treasured landscapes, where ancient travel routes of Indigenous peoples and fur traders still whisper through the pines, and where the call of the loon echoes across waters that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of the North Woods bring dramatic seasonal transformations to South Fowl Lake. Spring awakens with crisp, sometimes frosty mornings that gradually warm into wildflower-filled days. Summer bathes the landscape in comfortable warmth, perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons by the shore. Autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, though temperatures can plunge unexpectedly. Winter transforms this wilderness into a snow-blanketed wonderland, where extreme cold and frequent snowstorms create a landscape of breathtaking beauty and formidable challenge.
ElevationNestled within the ancient Canadian Shield, this lakeside retreat rests at the characteristic elevation of the Boundary Waters region, where the land gently rises and falls in the timeless rhythm of glacially carved terrain.
Natural Features and ScenerySouth Fowl Lake emerges like a sapphire jewel amid an endless sea of evergreen forest. Towering pines and paper birches crowd the shoreline, their reflections dancing on waters that shift from deep blue to molten gold with the changing light. Rocky outcroppings punctuate the landscape, offering natural viewpoints over the expansive lake vistas. This thriving ecosystem pulses with life - from the haunting calls of loons at dawn to the splash of beaver tails at dusk, while eagles soar overhead and moose wade through shallow bays. The rugged beauty of this wilderness sanctuary creates an ever-changing canvas of natural wonder.
Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers into the bedrock of the Canadian Shield, South Fowl Lake exemplifies the dramatic geology of the Boundary Waters region within Superior National Forest. This landscape of interconnected lakes, sculpted granite shores, and dense boreal forests tells a story written in stone and water over billions of years. The rugged terrain, punctuated by exposed rock faces and boulder-strewn shores, creates a wilderness maze where water and forest merge in perfect harmony, forming one of the last great wildernesses of the American heartland.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for South Fowl Lake.
Sites SizeSite size measurements are not provided, but being a backcountry site means the sites are likely compact and minimally developed.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level at the sites is not explicitly described in the source materials.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Choose sites based on proximity to the lake and ease of access from the portage point."
Best CampsitesBoth sites are considered equal in terms of amenities and access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable.
Check-out
Not applicable.
Stay Limit
- Nine people per site limit
- group camping sites available at some sites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine people per site.
Groups
- Group sites are available in some locations within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- specific details for South Fowl Lake are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe two sites are dispersed, backcountry-style single-party locations.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens on April 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations can be made; sites are first come, first served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first come, first served; no reservation system is in place.
Cancellation PolicyInformation not provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Fowl Lake offers opportunities for fishing, non-motorized boating, and backcountry camping. For fishing, campers can expect species such as burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and white sucker. The nearby Little John Lake provides access via a gravel/dirt boat ramp.
Fishing
The lake supports fishing for various species including burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and white sucker.Boating
Boating at South Fowl Lake is limited to non-motorized watercraft. Access is provided via a gravel/dirt boat ramp at Little John Lake, followed by portage and paddling through the Royal River.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described for South Fowl Lake.Water Sports
Potential water sports include non-motorized boating and fishing, but activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not explicitly detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire must be contained in designated grates and extinguished before leaving the site.
- Quiet hours are Not applicable.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, cold water temperatures, and challenging terrain.
Active alertsInformation not provided.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Gunflint Ranger District at 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN (approximately 37 miles). Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Good to know
Peak season datesInformation not provided.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all garbage as no trash or recycling services are provided at South Fowl Lake.
Proximity to water features"South Fowl Lake, Little John Lake, and the Royal River are nearby water features accessible from the campsite."
Common complaints"Lack of potable water and restroom facilities is often noted by visitors."
HostThere is no designated campground host for the dispersed sites.
Campground Map
2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Driving directionsFrom Grand Marais, take MN-61 North/West for 19 miles, turn left onto Arrowhead Trail and drive for 18.2 miles to Little John Lake. Portage/paddle to South Fowl Lake.
Road access is moderately challenging due to the need for portaging and paddling to reach the lake. The boat ramp on Johnson Lake provides initial access, followed by portaging to Little John Lake and paddling up the Royal River.Nearby places
Grand Marais (approximately 37 miles, 45 minutes by car followed by portaging and paddling).
Nearby supplies
Grand Marais (approximately 37 miles) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
South Fowl Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects are not detailed in the available information.
Common Concerns
Complaints or issues are not described in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations such as carrying water treatment supplies and adhering to Leave No Trace principles are mentioned in the authoritative content.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends in user reviews are provided.
Camper Quotes
"Restrooms are not available at this site." "Potable water is not available at this site." "Access to the 2 sites on this lake is a boat ramp on Johnson Lake, portage to little John, then up the...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specific to individual sites at South Fowl Lake are not included in the source materials.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Guidelines for pets include keeping dogs on a six-foot or shorter leash, storing dog food in bear-resistant containers, and cleaning up pet waste.
Last updated August 10, 2025